The King of Oil by Daniel Ammann Summary
Overview of The King of Oil
Discover how Marc Rich, pardoned by Clinton after trading with embargoed nations, revolutionized oil markets. Daniel Ammann's insider interviews reveal the controversial billionaire who transformed commodity trading while becoming one of history's most notorious fugitives.
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The Refugee Who Became Oil's Mastermind
Marc Rich's story begins with a desperate flight from Nazi Europe in 1940. As a twelve-year-old Jewish refugee, young Marcell Reich (later Marc Rich) and his family escaped through France to Marseille, eventually securing passage to America aboard the Serpa Pinto. Standing on deck as they entered New York Harbor, Marc gazed at the Statue of Liberty-a powerful symbol of their escape from annihilation. This experience of displacement profoundly shaped his character, instilling a determination never to be powerless again and an acute understanding of how quickly fortunes could change. "We lost everything, but we survived," he later reflected-a sentiment that would drive his relentless ambition. Growing up as an outsider in post-war America-small, accented, and Jewish-Rich struggled to fit in, attending twelve different schools in as many years. Though the family changed their name from Reich to Rich to assimilate better, Marc remained distinctly European at heart. His refuge became his father's jewelry store, where he developed an early passion for business and trade that would define his future. After high school, he chose practical experience over university, joining Philipp Brothers, a commodities trading firm with deep roots in Jewish trading traditions.
Mastering Global Trade and Building an Empire
Revolutionizing the Oil Industry Through Crisis
The Fugitive Years and Legal Battles
From Fugitive to Pardon
The Complicated Legacy
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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